About Us

In 1977 we hired our first narrowboat from Anglo Welsh at Market Harborough.From that moment our destiny was set. In 2006 we finally purchased our own brand new 57' narrowboat which we named 'Free Spirit'. Our aim is to travel the length and breadth of all the navigable rivers and canals of the UK. This will be our story as it unfolds.

Tuesday, 13 January 2015

Still more hardwear to fend off the pirates.

Day 9 At Sea

Discovered something even more worrying this morning. As well as the razor wire surrounding the ship, water canon have also appeared. We have also been told by some of the passengers that we are to be boarded by armed guards who will escort us to Muscat, a sea voyage of 5 days. Appreciate that the Captain has our welfare in mind but no announcement had been made to dispel our fears so of coarse some passengers are starting to feel very uneasy. Don't expect there to be any problems but if you here on the news that a cruise liner has been boarded by pirates during 20th to 25th it may well be us!!!!

Looking down from our balcony

Water Canon

Not sure how this will work unless the end spins round

As for the rest of today the weather has turned from sunny skies to one of cloud and drizzle. Wind has also picked up and by tonight are expecting 7-8 force winds. Could be interesting especially as it's another formal evening. Back to donning posh frocks and suits and mingling with the Captain.

Sunset last night got it wrong!

Had a surprise when we entered the dining room. Our table had been laid with an extra place. Sonny our waiter told us that we were to be joined by Anthony Borrendaile the Cruise director. No Captain who frequented one of the other restaurants but with Anthony sitting at our table we had the best bottles of wine to share and liqueurs with coffee for no cost. Bonus he can come again (:

Ian with Sonny

How many glasses!!!!!

Sonny took this photo so a bit blurred. Anthony the Cruise Director at head of table.

Entertainment after diner was by The Balmoral Show Company and they didn't disappoint singing and dancing to block buster films and shows.

A better photo of Anthony.

Day 10

Woke in the night to the boat ducking and a diving in the heavy sea swells. Cupboard doors flying open as well as the creaks and groans of the fixture and fittings. Nothing that worries us as we quite like it when the seas are rough. Breakfast was still well attended so I'm assuming most passengers are harden sailors. Rain was lashing down which curtailed those people that do the four laps of the deck for the one mile and consequently seating in all the lounges were hard to find. Staying in the cabin wasn't an option as the maids do the bed making etc during the morning. So today will be one of reading and chatting with the fellow passengers. No lectures to attend, no outside activities, didn't fancy the bums and tum class or the Zumba. Quiz is late morning which we will attend. So far we have always come second or third. The main prize still alludes us.

Hi Irene and Ian, so enjoying your blog and following your travels, at least we know whats coming! In Barcelona today then Rome on Saturday. Looks like you are having a great time! Looking forward to your next blog. Enjoy Doug and James x